Quick connecting universal electrical box and wiring_system

ABSTRACT

A quick connecting universal electrical box system for the mounting of electrical sockets, switches or any electronic or communication component that is typically installed into a wall is disclosed. The system comprises a mounting frame and an electrical box, which can be pre-wired with any socket unit or component, such that installation of the electrical box into a wall is greatly simplified. The mounting frame is first inserted into a wall, followed by insertion of the electrical box into the mounting frame. The action of inserting the electrical box into the mounting frame forces flaps in the mounting frame to engage and lock the mounting frame into the wall. Retaining studs formed on flexible side panels of the electrical box then engage with corresponding openings in the mounting frame to secure the electrical box within the mounting frame. Secure installation of this electrical box is simple and quick without the need for any tools or fastening screws.

FIELD OF APPLICATION

[0001] The present invention relates to electrical distribution systemsand is particularly directed to the field of distribution systems foreffecting the distribution and connection of electrical power or datasuch as telephone or computer network signals in commercial buildings,homes or cottages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In commercial and residential buildings, electrical boxes areused to house outlets that distribute power, switches that controllighting and virtually any type of receptacle that carries electricalsignals. These electrical boxes are usually installed duringconstruction of the buildings before walls or panels are secured to thejoists and studs. Rectangular openings are cut out from the wall panelsto allow access to the installed electrical boxes.

[0003] An example of this type of prior art electrical box is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 4,165,443 by Figart et. al. issued Aug. 21, 1979, in whichan electrical box system for mounting modular switch and receptacleunits to a wall is disclosed. The receptacle units have special shapeswith elongated terminals protruding from the backside, which fit intocomplementary openings within the electrical box. Power and distributioncables connect directly to access openings in the box, and are routed tothe receptacle unit terminals through a bus plate array. The electricalbox is mounted to a wall stud using a mounting bracket having mountingslots and lips that correspond to mounting slots and lips in theelectrical box. Once the mounting bracket is secured to a wall stud, theelectrical box can slide into its corresponding slots and lips. Thissystem is disadvantageous in that there is no method to secure theelectrical box to any structure other than a stud within a wall. This isnot always acceptable since the placement of an electrical box isfrequently determined by function or desire rather than the location ofexisting wall studs. Another disadvantage is the necessity for screwsand tools to fix the mounting bracket to the stud, which reduces theoverall ease of installation of the electrical box.

[0004] The limited placement ability of the electrical box is addressedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,487 by Leon issued Mar. 19, 1996 and U.S. Pat.No. 4,485,282 by Lee issued Nov. 27, 1984. Leon discloses a simpleelectrical box having contacts inside the box for making electricalconnection to removable switch or receptacle units. The switch andreceptacle units have special shapes that allow them to be insertedwithin the box that avoids incorrect electrical connections. Thiselectrical box has the capability of being installed at any position ina wall, but requires screws and tools to fasten its securing tabs to thewall.

[0005] Similar to Leon, Lee discloses a base, similar to an electricalbox, with niches that can accommodate removable switch or receptacleunits. A mechanical system ensures that the units can be locked into thebase to prevent unwanted removal of the switch or receptacle units. Thissystem also requires the base to be secured to a wall with screws.

[0006] Both Leon and Lee overcome the limited placement problem ofFigart et. al., but still require screws and tools in order to securethe respective product into a wall, which is time-consuming andcumbersome. Furthermore, an electrical box secured to a wall by screwscan become unstable after installation.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,746 by Meehan issued Feb. 19, 1985 shows aself-contained electrical box that can either be a receptacle or switch.The power supply wires are pressed into the back of the receptaclewithout the need for stripping off the insulation from the wires to makeelectrical contact. A screw engages a pawl in the back of the unit thateventually sandwiches the wall between the pawl and an external securingtab of the electrical box. This particular feature is an improvementover the inventions of Leon and Lee in that the electrical box remainsmore stable and secure in the wall. Installation of this electrical boxis still somewhat time consuming since a tool is required for settingthe screw.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,215,787 by Moran, Jr. et. al. issued Aug. 5, 1980discloses an electrical box with moulded wedge-shaped retaining stuntsfor easy insertion and securing of the electrical box at any position ina wall. The electrical box can accommodate any receptacle unit. As withLeon, Lee and Meehan, this electrical box does not have to be fixed to astud. Additionally, the retaining stunts can ensure that the electricalbox remains stable within the wall. The distinctive feature of thiselectrical box over the previous references is that no screws or toolsare required for its installation within the wall. However, thestability of the electrical box depends on the precise opening in thewall. The opening must be complementary in size and configuration to theopen front side of the box. A slightly enlarged opening can result in anelectrical box that is unstable in either the vertical or horizontaldirections within the wall. It is even possible for the electrical boxto be pulled out from the opening in the wall during normal use as apower outlet if the opening is too wide. Therefore, this electrical boxhas a very low tolerance for variations in wall opening sizes,especially in the vertical direction, and is difficult to securely lockinto place.

[0009] The system shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,847,444 by Holland, issuedJul. 11, 1989 includes an electrical box holder which can snap into anopening cut out from a wall. The electrical box, affixed with anyreceptacle unit, can be firmly secured by the holder within the wall.This is achieved by sandwiching a wall edge between outer lips and inneredges of the holder. Spacers can be attached to the inner edges of theholder to reduce the spacing between it and the outer lip in order toaccommodate thinner wails. Although the holder is more stable than theelectrical box of Moran, Jr. et. al., screws and tools are required tosecure the electrical box to the holder.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,393 by Rardin et. al., issued Oct. 7, 1980discloses an anchoring device for securing an electrical box within awall. The electrical box snaps into the anchoring device that comprisesof wedge shaped resilient fingers for allowing easy entry into anopening cut out from a wall. Clamps are secured to the anchor device viascrews such that the wall is sandwiched between the fingers and clamps.Even though the electrical box is quickly secured into the anchoringdevice, the anchoring device itself will not remain secure within thewall until the clamps are screwed to the anchoring device to lock theanchoring device to the wall. This method of installation is stillrather cumbersome and time consuming.

[0011] There is clearly a need for a quick connecting electrical boxsystem in which an electrical box can be firmly and reliably securedwithin an opening in a wall without the use of any screws and tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of the invention to provide a quick connectinguniversal electrical box mounting system including a mounting frame, forthe installation of electrical sockets, switches or any electroniccomponent that is typically installed into a wall for users to access,and can be secured within an opening in a wall without the need of anyscrews or tools.

[0013] The mounting frame preferably has wall engaging means attached tothe top and bottom sides of the frame for retaining the frame in a wallopening of appropriate size. The electrical box is preferably shaped andconstructed to closely fit the mounting frame such that the electricalbox can be inserted into the mounting frame. Retaining means on theelectrical box co-operate with interlocking means in the mounting frame.The retaining means are preferably retaining studs formed on flexibleside panels of the electrical box and the interlocking means arepreferably openings formed in the side walls of the frame for receivingthe retaining studs. The electrical box is preferably of standard sizeto accommodate virtually all types of electrical sockets or switches.

[0014] Once the mounting frame is inserted into an opening in a wall,the electrical box can be fully inserted into the mounting frame. Theaction of inserting the electrical box into the mounting framepreferably forces the wall engaging means into a wall engaging positionto lock the mounting frame in the wall opening.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment, the retaining studs on the flexibleside panels of the preferred electrical box then engage correspondingopenings in the preferred mounting frame to secure the electrical boxwithin the mounting frame. No tools are required to secure the mountingframe and electrical box within the wall other than those required tocreate the wall opening. This system allows for a quick and efficientinstallation process.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be furtherdescribed with references to the drawings in which same referencenumerals designate similar parts throughout the Figures, and wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 shows an orthogonal exploded view of the preferredelectrical box and mounting frame combination in accordance with theinvention;

[0018]FIG. 2 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box of FIG. 1,illustrating the front, top and left sides;

[0019]FIG. 3 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box of FIG. 1,illustrating the front, top and right sides;

[0020]FIG. 4 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box of FIG. 1,illustrating the back, top and left sides;

[0021]FIG. 5 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box of FIG. 1,illustrating the back, top and right sides;

[0022]FIG. 6 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box of FIG. 1,illustrating the back, bottom and right sides;

[0023]FIG. 7 shows a front elevational view of the electrical box ofFIG. 1;

[0024]FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the electrical box of FIGS.2 and 7 taken along line A-A;

[0025]FIG. 9 shows a rear elevational view of the electrical box of FIG.1;

[0026]FIG. 10 shows a top plan view of the electrical box of FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 11 shows a bottom plan view of the electrical box of FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 12 is a right side view of the electrical box of FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 13 shows a cross sectional view of the electrical box of FIG.12 taken along line B-B;

[0030]FIG. 14 shows a cross sectional view of the electrical box of FIG.12 taken along line C-C;

[0031]FIG. 15 shows an orthogonal view of a spline in accordance withthe invention;

[0032]FIG. 16 shows the spline of FIG. 15 fully engaged with theelectrical box of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIG. 17 shows a pair of electrical boxes before insertion of thesplines of FIG. 15 in accordance with the invention;

[0034]FIG. 18 shows the pair of electrical boxes of FIG. 17 afterinsertion of the splines of FIG. 15;

[0035]FIG. 19 shows a side elevational view of the electrical boxmounting frame in the resting position;

[0036]FIG. 20 shows a side elevational view of the electrical boxmounting frame of FIG. 19 in the retaining position;

[0037]FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the electrical box mounting frame ofFIG. 19;

[0038]FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the electrical box mountingframe of FIG. 21 taken along line D-D;

[0039]FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the electrical box mounting frame ofFIG. 20;

[0040]FIG. 24 is a cross sectional view of the electrical box mountingframe of FIG. 23 taken along line D-D;

[0041]FIG. 25 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box mountingframe for the pair of electrical boxes of FIG. 17;

[0042]FIG. 26 shows an orthogonal view of an electrical box mountingframe and mounting bracket in accordance with the invention;

[0043]FIG. 27 shows an exploded view of an electrical box and connectioncomponents in accordance with the invention;

[0044]FIG. 28 shows an orthogonal view of the electrical box andassembled connection components of FIG. 27 before installation into themounting frame of FIG. 19;

[0045]FIG. 29 shows a left side elevational view of the electrical boxof FIG. 1 fully engaged in the mounting frame;

[0046]FIG. 30 shows an orthogonal view of all components of a preferredelectrical box system in accordance with the invention;

[0047]FIG. 31 shows an orthogonal exploded view of the combination ofthe pair of electrical boxes of FIG. 17 and mounting frame of FIG. 25 inaccordance with the invention;

[0048]FIG. 32 is an exploded view of a male connector module inaccordance with the invention;

[0049]FIG. 33 is an exploded view of a female connector module inaccordance with the invention;

[0050]FIG. 34 shows an orthogonal view of the female connector module ofFIG. 33, illustrating the bottom side;

[0051]FIG. 35 shows an orthogonal view of the male connector module ofFIG. 32, illustrating the bottom side;

[0052]FIG. 36 is an exploded view of a female plug unit in accordancewith the invention;

[0053]FIG. 37 is an exploded view of a male plug unit in accordance withthe invention;

[0054]FIG. 38 shows an orthogonal view of the assembled male and femaleplug units of FIGS. 36 and 37;

[0055]FIG. 39 shows an exploded view of a female plug module of afixture receptacle base in accordance with the invention;

[0056]FIG. 40 shows an exploded view of a male connector module of afixture receptacle base in accordance with the invention;

[0057]FIG. 41 shows an orthogonal view of a single fixture receptaclebase in accordance with the invention;

[0058]FIG. 42 shows an orthogonal view of male and female rectangularprongs with wire trap in accordance with the invention;

[0059]FIG. 43 shows an orthogonal view of male and female round prongswith wire trap in accordance with the invention;

[0060]FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the female rectangular prong withwire trap of FIG. 42;

[0061]FIG. 45 is a cross sectional view of the female round prong withwire trap of FIG. 43 taken along line G-G;

[0062]FIG. 46 shows a cross sectional view of the male connector moduleof FIG. 35 inserted with female prongs of FIGS. 42 and 43, taken alongline F-F;

[0063]FIG. 47 shows a cross sectional view of the female connectormodule of FIG. 34 inserted with male prongs of FIGS. 42 and 43, takenalong line E-E;

[0064]FIG. 48 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 46, showing awire in the un-inserted and inserted positions;

[0065]FIG. 49 shows an orthogonal view of male and female rectangularprongs with wire trap in accordance with an alternate embodiment of theinvention;

[0066]FIG. 50 shows an orthogonal view of male and female round prongswith wire trap in accordance with an alternate embodiment of theinvention;

[0067]FIG. 51 is a top plan view of the female round prong with wiretrap of FIG. 50;

[0068]FIG. 52 is a cross sectional view of the female round prong withwire trap of FIG. 50 taken along line H-H;

[0069]FIG. 53 shows a cross sectional view of the male connector moduleof FIG. 35 inserted with female prongs of FIGS. 49 and 50, taken alongline F-F in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

[0070]FIG. 54 shows a cross sectional view of the male connector moduleof FIG. 34 inserted with male prongs of FIGS. 49 and 50, taken alongline E-E in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention;

[0071]FIG. 55 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 53, showing awire in the un-inserted and inserted positions;

[0072]FIG. 56 Shows the electrical wiring system of the invention usedin a building floor-plan; and

[0073]FIG. 57 is an elevated top view of male connector bodies withdifferent prong orientations;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, the electrical box and mountingframe combination as shown in FIG. 1 includes an electrical box 10 and amounting frame 200 for insertion into a wall opening as will be furtherdescribed in detail below. The mounting frame 200 includes wall engagingmeans such as securing naps 203 which lock the frame in a wall panel orwall board in their retaining position as shown in FIG. 1. The flaps 203are automatically forced into and maintained in the retaining positionby the electrical box in the assembled condition of the electrical boxand frame combination.

[0075] The electrical box 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 consists of a mainrectangular enclosure 11 for the installation of an electrical socket,switch or other electrical connection or outlet, or a voice, data,video, or audio connection, in the following generally referred to as a“functional insert”. A connector box 12 is attached to the rear of theenclosure 11 for installation of a fixture receptacle into receptaclehousing 24. Screw receiving bores 13 are provided in the enclosure 11for the installation of a functional insert. Screw grooves 23 areprovided to accommodate screws of various lengths that may be insertedinto screw receiving bores 13. Screw apertures 15 in electrical boxretaining tabs 14 can be used for securing electrical box 10 to a wallwith standard fitting screws, if desired. Each side wall 17 of enclosure11 has a pair of spaced apart parallel slits 16 that extendperpendicularly from the front face of the enclosure to a substantialdepth, preferably half the total depth, most preferably three quartersof the depth of the enclosure 11. Slits 16 create gaps in the side walls17 thereby forming flexible side panels 19 for limited deflection in adirection perpendicular to the plane of side wall 17 and at a front endof the panel. Rectangular retaining studs 20 protruding from the outersurface of the flexible side panels 19, serve to secure the electricalbox 10 to the mounting frame 200 in the assembled condition as will bediscussed in more detail below. Formed in the electrical box retainingtabs 14 are horizontal slots 25 that allow an aesthetic cover 2, withcomplementing protrusions, to be placed over the face of electrical box10 (see FIG. 30).

[0076] In FIG. 1, electrical box mounting frame 200 is rectangular inshape to accommodate electrical box 10. The frame 200 includes arectangular mounting flange 210 for resting against a wall surface (notshown) in an installed condition of the frame. The flange 210 has acentral, rectangular opening 211 for insertion of the electrical box 10.Side walls 202 of the frame 200 extend perpendicularly from an inwardedge of the mounting flange 210 to engage the edges of a wall opening(not shown). The flange 210 includes top and bottom retaining tabs 205.Side walls 202 of mounting frame 200 have openings 201 for engagement byrectangular retaining studs 20 that protrude from the flexible sidepanels 19 on the electrical box 10. The positions of the openings 201 inboth frame side walls 202 correspond to the locations of the rectangularretaining studs 20. The frame also includes a pair of securing flaps203, which are shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, in the resting and retainingpositions respectively. Securing flaps 203 are respectively connected tothe top and bottom inward edges 251 of mounting flange 210 via a swivelconnection, in this embodiment a living hinge 250. Each securing flap203 consists of a pair of rectangular panels connected together to forma right-angled member. One rectangular panel has two screw apertures252. Screw apertures 204 in frame retaining tabs 205 coincide with screwapertures 15 in the retaining tabs 14 of the electrical box 10 and screwapertures 252 in the securing flap 203, when the securing flaps are inthe fully engaged position as shown in FIG. 24. Securing flap 203further includes reinforcing webs 212 (see FIGS. 20 and 23) forreinforcement of the angled connection of the two flap panels.

[0077] Following is a description of the use of the electrical boxsupport frame 200 with the electrical box 10. Reference should be madeto FIGS. 1 and 19 to 24. The inner edge of the flange 210 of themounting frame 200 can be used as a template to draw a rectangle on awall panel, such as dry wall, to indicate the position of the electricalbox 10. Once the rectangle is cut out from the wall, the support frame200 is inserted into the wall. The electrical box 10 can then beinserted into the support frame 200. As the electrical box 10 is pushedinto the support frame 200, fins 21 on the top and bottom walls of theelectrical box 10 (see FIGS. 4 and 6) engage the hinged securing flaps203 of the support frame 200. This action forces the securing flaps 203to rotate about their respective hinges 250 until the right angled panel213 of securing flap 203 is spaced apart and parallel to the retainingtab 205 of the mounting flange 210. Now the dry wall 215 is sandwichedbetween the frame retaining tabs 205 and the securing flaps 203 (seeFIG. 24). The size of the panels 213 of the securing flaps 203, and theforce applied by the securing flaps 203 to the top and bottom edges ofthe wall opening are sufficient to reliably maintain the support frame200 secured in the wall opening against tearing out. The side walls 202maintain the orientation of the frame 200 in the wall opening. Removalof the mounting frame 200 from the wall opening is not possible withoutremoval of the electrical box 10 or tearing out significant portions ofthe wall panel.

[0078] The same action of pushing the electrical box 10 into the supportframe 200 will bring the rectangular retaining studs 20 intoregistration with the support frame openings 201. The retaining studs 20snap into the openings 201 and lock the electrical box 10 within themounting frame 200. The rectangular retaining studs 20 preferably havebevelled forward edges 22 to allow easier insertion of the electricalbox 10 into the support frame 200. The electrical box 10 is now firmlysecured to the support frame 200, which is firmly secured to the drywall.

[0079] Although not required for a secure installation of the electricalbox 10 and frame 200 combination into a wall opening, screws may be usedto fasten the support frame 200 and electrical box 10 together viaaligned screw apertures 252, 204 and 15 in the securing flaps 203,support frame 200 and electrical box 10 respectively. Tightening of thescrew will draw the retaining tabs 205 and the securing flaps 203towards each other against the dry wall, providing an additionalsecuring force against the dry wall. FIG. 29 and 30 show the electricalbox 10 fully engaged with the mounting frame 200.

[0080] Extraction of the electrical box 10 from the wall only requiresforcing the two flexible side panels 19 of the electrical box towardsone another while gently pulling the electrical box out. Forcing theflexible side panels 19 together disengages the retaining studs 20 fromthe openings 201 in the support frame 200 to allow the electrical box 10to be extracted.

[0081] Unless the optional fastening screws are used, installation ofthe support frame 200 and the electrical box 10 in the wall will notrequire the use of any tools, other than the tool for creating anopening in the wall. Hence the installation and removal of theelectrical box, for maintenance, upgrades or repairs, can normally bedone without any tools.

[0082] Frequently, electrical outlets and switches are ganged togetherat a selected location for easier access and use. For this setup, theelectrical box 10 also has a pair of spaced apart parallel connectiongrooves 18 integrated into each side wall 17 which can accommodatesplines 400 (FIG. 15) to allow multiple electrical boxes 10 to beadjacently coupled or ganged together in a row. The structure ofconnecting grooves 18 is best shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. Connectinggroove 18 extends from the front to the rear of the main rectangularenclosure 11 with a shallow vertical taper, and has a cross-sectionalT-shape. A recess 27 is formed in the wall of connection groove 18 neara rear portion the main enclosure box 11. FIG. 15 shows a spline 400 andFIG. 16 shows an electrical box 10 with splines 400 inserted into itsconnection grooves 18. Extending perpendicularly from spline flange 404are two arms 401 connected together by bridge 402. Arms 401 extend pastbridge 402 to form outwardly directed hook shaped ends 403 for engaginga recess 27 in each connecting groove 18. Spline 400 has an “I” shapedcross section where the arms 401 and the bridge 402 are formed of acorresponding size to interlock with connection grooves 18. The insideedge of arm 401 tapers towards its outside edge, and the top and bottomedges of arm 401 taper towards each other, as the arm 401 extendsrearward from spline flange 404. The taper of top and bottom edges ofbridge 402 follows the taper of the top and bottom edges of arm 401. Theform of the spline ensures its ease of entry into a pair of adjacentlyplaced groove structures 18, even when the adjacent groove structures 18are not precisely aligned with each other.

[0083] To allow tight ganging of electrical boxes 10, the positions ofthe retaining studs 20 on one of the flexible side panels 19 areshifted, or offset, from the positions of the retaining studs 20 on theopposite flexible side panel 19 of the electrical box 10. Furthermore,recesses 26 (see FIG. 7) in the flexible side panels 19 allow additionalelectrical boxes to be closely adjacently placed without the retainingstuds 20 of adjacent boxes coming into contact with each other andinterfering with the ganging allowed by the connection grooves 18. FIGS.17 and 18 show two electrical boxes 10 ganged together in a row beforeand after the splines 400 are inserted into the connection grooves 18respectively. When the splines 400 are fully inserted into theconnection grooves 18 and the hooked ends 403 engage recesses 27, thetwo electrical boxes 10 are effectively locked together as a singleunit. This allows for easier insertion of both electrical boxes 10 intoa correspondingly shaped mounting frame.

[0084] In a preferred variant, the mounting frame 200 is constructed toreceive two or more electrical boxes 10 in accordance with thepreviously mentioned ganging feature of electrical box 10. FIG. 25 showsa mounting frame 200′ formed for a pair of ganged electrical boxes 10,as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Mounting frame 200′ incorporates the samefeatures as mounting frame 200, and functions in the same manner asmounting frame 200, to lock a ganged pair of electrical boxes within awall opening. Of course, mounting frames 200′ of a construction adaptedto house more than two ganged electrical boxes are also encouraged. Toaccommodate different wall thicknesses, the spacing between right angledpanel 213 of the securing flap 203 and the frame retaining tab 205 offlange 210 is preferably adapted to correspond to a selected wallthickness, or to a spacing slightly larger than the selected wallthickness, to keep the support frame 200 secured in a wall openingagainst tearing out.

[0085] Alternatively, inserts can be placed between right angled panel213 of each securing flap 203 and the associated retaining tab 205, tomake up for any difference between a wall thickness that is smaller thanthe size of the securing flaps 203. The panels that together formsecuring flap 203, can form an angle that is less than or greater than90 degrees. Although the hinges used in the preferred embodiment areliving hinges, other types such as continuous hinges can be used andsuitable hinge constructions will be readily apparent to the personskilled in the art.

[0086] In some locations or jurisdictions, electrical boxes cannotsimply be fixed to a wall panel, but must be fastened to the wallsupporting structure, such as wood or metal studs. To accommodate thisrequirement, the invention provides a mounting bracket 220 as shown inFIG. 26. The mounting frame 200 preferably includes inwardly directedhook shaped ends 207 which are formed onto each side-wall 202 of theframe 200 to engage with the stud mounting bracket 220. Mounting bracket220 is a right angled member that will fit around a front corner edge ofa wall stud 3. Two screw openings 221 allow one end of the mountingbracket to be fastened to the stud 3, preferably by wood screws 226. Thebracket has slots 225 for the mounting arms 206 to permit insertion ofthe arms 206 into slots 225 which correspond in cross sectional shapewith mounting arms 206. Openings 224 at the end of slots 225 accommodatethe hooked ends 207 of the mounting arms 206 for locking of the arms inthe slots 225. Angled screw openings 222 allow complete fastening of thebracket 220 to the wall stud 3 from the other side of the support frame200, as in the case when a wall has been secured to the wall stud whichinhibits access to the bracket 220. In practical use, screws are firstused to secure the mounting bracket 220 to the wall stud 3 using screwopenings 221. The hooks of the mounting bracket arms 206 can easily passthrough the slots 225 because the material of the mounting bracket 220should be flexible enough to allow for play between the mounting bracket220 and the wall stud 3. Once the mounting frame 200 is fully insertedinto the mounting bracket slots 225 and the hooked ends rest in hookopenings 224, screws can be used to fasten the mounting bracket 220 tothe wall stud 3 via angled screw openings 222. The mounting frame 200 isthen effectively locked into the mounting bracket 220 because the hookedends can no longer pass through the slots 225.

[0087] FIGS. 27 to 31 sequentially depicts the assembly of theelectrical box and system as they would be used with each other forinstalling a fixture receptacle into a wall opening in accordance withthe invention. FIG. 27 shows an electrical box 10 with a receptacle base100, male and female plug units 310, 320 which will be described in moredetail below, and dust cover 4 prior to complete assembly. Fixturereceptacle base 100 is inserted into the connector box 12 of electricalbox 10. Receptacle base 100 provides an interface between the electricalpower or signal input/output supply and a functional insert in theelectrical box 10. Plug units 310 and 320 supply or transfer power orsignals to and from the receptacle base 100. A dust cover 4 is added tocover the connector box 12 and any plug units that may be inserted intothe receptacle base 100 inserted therein. Dust cover 4 preferably alsosecures plug units inserted into the fixture receptacle base from beingtom out by resting against a rear end of the male and female plug units310, 320. FIG. 28 shows the electrical box of FIG. 27 after completedassembly, prior to insertion into mounting frame 200. FIG. 29illustrates the electrical box 10 fully inserted into the mounting frame200 and FIG. 30 shows the electrical box 10 having a functional insert1, inserted into a mounting frame 200, which is secured to mountingbracket 220. An aesthetic cover 2 snaps into place to cover the face ofelectrical box 10. FIG. 31 shows a pair of ganged electrical boxes 10prior to insertion into a mounting frame 200′ and placement of amatching aesthetic cover 2′ according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0088] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, but variations in the electrical box 10 and mounting frame200 are possible in light of the above teachings. Although connectorreceptacle housing 24 (see FIGS. 2-5) is preferably positioned at thebottom of the electrical box rear wall (FIGS. 4 and 5) for ease ofinsertion of the electrical box into the mounting frame 200 when wiredfrom above, the receptacle housing can be positioned at any verticallocation along the rear wall or can be fully integrated into theelectrical box 10 and oriented such that the face of the receptaclehousing 24 is parallel to the face of main enclosure 11. Receptaclehousing 24 can also be open laterally or downwardly. Although slits 16preferably extend from the face of main box 11 at right angles, anglesother than 90 degrees are possible, as long as the slits extend to adepth sufficient to form flexible side panels in the side walls 17.Separate panels can be connected to the side walls 17 with spring loadedhinges in place of the preferred integrally formed flexible side panels.To prevent dust entering the electrical box 10, the slits are preferablynarrow, however slits formed as wide gaps, and more than two slits 16can be formed in each side wall 17 to form multiple flexible side panels19. In the case of multiple flexible panels, a single retainingstructure is preferably formed on each flexible panel 19, whereby theretaining structure is formed as openings instead of retaining studs 20in the side wall 17. The retaining structure can be formed as a singleor multiple number of openings instead of the preferred protrudingstuds. The flexible panel and retaining structures can be formed on thetop and bottom of the electrical box instead of the side walls 17.Recesses 26, or portions of the recesses in side wall 17, can beopenings to further facilitate the ganging feature of the electricalboxes 10. Connection grooves 18 and corresponding spline arms 401 canhave a circular or other geometric shape as long as the shape of theconnecting grooves 18 is sufficiently complementary to the shape of thespline arms 401 to assure a reliable connection.

[0089] In an alternate embodiment of the mounting frame 200, flange 210does not form a full rectangle, but instead only includes four corners.Although the securing flaps 203 are preferably positioned at the sop andbottom edges of the mounting frame 200, they can be positioned along anytwo opposite sides of the frame and can even be positioned on all sidesof the frame. The size of securing flaps 203 can be shorter than an edgeof the rectangular opening 211 it is connected to, or a multiple numberof individually operative securing flaps 203 can be connected to an edgeof the rectangular opening 211 in place of a single large securing flap.Securing flaps 203 can slide on rails to engage a wall opening when theelectrical box 10 is inserted into the mounting frame. Side walls 202 donot form a continuous wall, but instead are formed as short segments atlocations corresponding to positions of the electrical box retainingstructures to reduce the use of material. The mounting frame of analternate embodiment can be constructed to receive standard prior artmetal electrical boxes.

[0090] In addition to the electrical box assembly, the present inventionalso provides a modular wiring system for fail-safe wiring connection ofthe electrical box and the functional insert respectively placed thereinwith a power, data, signal supply or control, or a data, power, signal,etc. consumer or controller. To avoid wiring errors, the wiring systemof the invention provides male and female plug assemblies for permanentplacement of wire or cable ends as will be further described in detailin the following. Furthermore, the shape and placement of the connectorprongs in the plugs and the connector receptacle in the electrical boxis keyed accordingly to the intended type of connection to preventcabling errors.

[0091] The modular system of the invention includes male and femalereceptacles and male and female plugs, whereby the number of componentsof the system is reduced by the use of common components for both plugsand receptacles as well as male and female plugs. As is apparent fromFIGS. 36 to 41, each receptacle includes a receptacle base (FIGS. 39 and40) and male and female connector modules 300, 301. Furthermore, eachplug unit (FIGS. 36 and 37) includes a plug housing 170, 190 and one ofthe male and female connector modules 300, 301. The male connectormodules in the plugs and receptacles are thereby of identicalconstruction as are the female connector modules in the plugs andreceptacles. Each male connector module 300 is constructed to interlockwith a female connector module 301 as shown in FIG. 38. Each connectormodule 300, 301 includes a connector base 150, a set of male prongs 142,143, or female prongs 122, 123, and either a male connector body 120 ora female connector shroud 140. The same connector base 150 is used forthe male and female receptacles and the male and female plugs. Thus thecomplete modular system includes a reduced number of parts, which in thebasic embodiment are, a connector base 150, a male connector body 120, afemale connector shroud 140, male and female plug housings 170, 140, areceptacle base 150 and male and female prongs 142, 143, 122, 123.

[0092] To avoid wiring or connection errors, the orientation of thecontacts in the connector base 150 and the male connector body 120 arevaried for different types of connections and different wiring schemes.This provides a keyed wiring and connector system as will be describedin more detail further below.

[0093]FIG. 32 shows an unassembled male connector module 300 with acorresponding male connector body 120 and a connector base 150. FIG. 33shows an unassembled female connector module 301 with a correspondingplug shroud 140 and a connector base 150. The male connector module 300includes the male connector body 120, the connector base 150, threegenerally rectangular female prongs 122 and a generally round prong 123.The male connector body 120 includes a cap shaped main body 126 having atriangular cross-section and a keying groove 121. The male connectorbody 120 has a circumferential shoulder or base 124, which also has akeying groove 127, and overall has a slightly larger outline than thecap shaped main body 126 of the connector body 120. Fixed to theperimeter of base 124 are locking tabs 125 for interlocking the base 124with a complementary component as will be described further below.Openings 128 and 129 in the face of male connector body 120 are sized toreceive the male prongs of a complementary female connector module asdescribed below. Openings 151 in the face of connector base 150 areformed to receive the base of the female prongs 122 and 123 which is ofidentical construction for each prong and functions as a wire trap aswill be described further below. The close fit of the prong bases inopenings 151 ensures proper alignment of the female prongs 122 and 123with the openings 128 and 129 respectively. Recess 152 is formed toaccommodate retaining clips, which will be discussed later. The keyinggrooves 121 and 127 ensure that the male connector body 120 cannot beengaged with a complementary female connector module (discussed furtherbelow) in more than one orientation.

[0094] The female connector module 301 includes a female plug shroud 140having an equilateral triangle shaped sleeve comprising a keying groove141 extending inwardly, three rectangular male prongs 142 and one roundmale prong 143. All of said prongs are recessed at the base 144 of thefemale plug shroud 140. The shroud base 144 also has an inwardlydirected keying groove 147. The length of the prongs is fixed such thattheir tips remain below the top edge of the main body 146 of the shroud140. The shroud main body 146 is essentially a protective sleeve for theprongs 142 and 143. Fixed to the perimeter of the shroud base 144 arelocking tabs 125 for interlocking the shroud base 144 with acomplementary component.

[0095] Openings 151 in the face of connector base 150 are formed toreceive the base of the male prongs 142 and 143 to ensure properalignment of the male prongs 142 and 143 with corresponding openings inthe base of shroud 140 (not shown). To further reduce the number ofelements of the modular system of the invention, openings 151 in theface of connector base 150 are of the same size and orientation for boththe male and female connector module of complementary connectors, andthe bases of all female prongs and male prongs used are preferably ofidentical construction to reduce the number of components of the systemand for ease of assembly.

[0096]FIGS. 34 and 35 show the assembled male connector module 300 andfemale connector module 301 respectively. Wiring access holes 108 areformed through the bottom of the connector bases 150 to allow insertionof wires that will be electrically coupled to the prongs encased withinthe modules. The detailed construction of the prongs will be discussedin more detail later.

[0097] The male connector body 120 and the female plug shroud 140 havebeen designed to be complementary units. The cap shaped main body 126 issmaller than the main body 146 of the female plug shroud 140 so that themale connector body can be inserted into the female plug shroud 140. Themale plug keying groove 127 is wider and deeper than the female plugshroud keying groove 147. The lengths of the main bodies and theperimeters of the bases are also the same so that engagement with thesingle type connector base 150 is possible.

[0098]FIG. 36 shows an unassembled female plug unit 320 with acorresponding female connector module 301 and a female plug casing 190.FIG. 37 shows an unassembled male plug unit 310 with a correspondingmale connector module 300 and a male plug casing 170. Male plug casing170 has an equilateral triangle shape and includes a rim 171 forreceiving the base 124 of male connector body 120 and having openings107 placed and shaped for receiving the locking tabs 125 on base 124 inthe assembled condition of the male connector module 300. Duringassembly, locking tabs 125 snap into openings 107 to hold the plugmodule 300 in the plug casing 170. A wire feed opening 172 is providedin the back of the male plug casing 170 for connection of wires to themale connector module 300. A male hook element 173 is formed on the maleplug casing 170 at a location corresponding to the position of thekeying groove 121 of the cap shaped main body 126, and extends into thatkeying groove in the assembled condition of the male connector module300. Male hook element 173 has a hook 178 at a free end and is connectedat its opposite end to the male plug casing 170, and has a disengagementbutton 177. Pressing down on the button will force the hook element 173inwardly in the grooves 121 and 127.

[0099] Female plug casing 190 is identical to the male plug casing 170except for the female hook element 191, which replaces the male hookelement 173. Female plug casing 190 accommodates base 144 of a femaleplug shroud 140 through locking engagement of base 144 with rim 171 andespecially locking tabs 125 with openings 107. The female hook element191 includes a loop 192 at one end, and a lever 193 at its opposite end.At an intermediate location, the hook element is pivotally connected tothe female plug casing 190. Pressing down on lever 193 will force thehook element 191 to move away from base 144 and the grooves 141 and 147therein. The connector bases 150 of the male connector module 300 andfemale connector module 301 are sized to fit inside their respectiveplug casings.

[0100] In practical use, using a male plug casing 190 and male connectormodule 300 by example, a cable containing wires is drawn through thewire feed opening 172, after which stripped wire leads are inserted intothe openings 108 in the base 150 of the pre-assembled male connectormodule 300 (see FIG. 48). The connector module 300 is then snapped intothe plug casing 190 to form an assembled male plug unit 310. A plasticmaterial is injected into the male connector 300 via wire feed opening172 to provide additional electrical insulation and to prevent the cablefrom tearing out from the male connector 300.

[0101] Fully assembled male and female plug units are shown in FIG. 38.Male plug unit 310 with male plug casing 170 and male connector module300 can be inserted into any female plug unit 320 with female plugcasing 190 and female connector module 301. The male hook element 173will automatically interlock with the female hook element 191 to holdthe male and female plug units together.

[0102] The male plug unit 310 can also be inserted into a femaleconnector module 301 that is mounted inside a receptacle base 100. Themale hook element 173 will thereby automatically lock with a femaleretaining clip 103 inserted into the receptacle base 100, to hold themale plug unit 310 in place. Similarly, the female plug unit 320 can beinserted into a male connector module 300 that is mounted inside areceptacle base 100. The female hook element 191 will therebyautomatically lock with a male retaining clip 102 inserted into thereceptacle base 100, to hold the female plug unit 320 in place.

[0103]FIGS. 39 and 40 show receptacle bases 100 with an assembled femaleconnector module 301 and an assembled male connector module 300respectively. Receptacle base 100 contains two, equilateral triangularshaped recesses 101, each of which can accommodate either a maleconnector module 300 or a female connector module 301. Foot 109 offemale retaining clip 102 for the male connector module 300, or foot 110of the male retaining clip 103 for the female connector module 301 fitsinto the recess 152 in the connector base 150 of the male or femaleconnector module, and is locked in a recessed side pocket 105 in theside wall of each triangular recess 101. When connector module 300 or301 is snapped into the recess 101 with the foot 109 of a retaining clip102 or 103 inserted into recess 152, the retaining clip is effectivelylocked into position in the side pocket 105 and prevented from beingpulled out. Flexible tabs 106 are formed at each corner of thereceptacle base 100 and flare outwards from the base towards the top ofthe receptacle base. The design allows for easy insertion of thereceptacle base 100 into receptacle housing 24 of the electrical box 10(see FIG. 27). But once the receptacle base 100 is inserted, tile baselocking tabs 106 will lock the receptacle base 100 into place. Openings107 accommodate the locking tabs 125 of either the male connector module300, or female connector module 301 respectively, to hold the modules inplace within the recess 101 once they are inserted. Coupling of wires tothe connector modules 300 or 301 is done via a special self-grippingwire trap 160, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0104]FIG. 27 illustrates a receptacle base 100 with fully assembledmale and female connector modules before installation in the electricalbox 10. The male connector module can receive power or other signals fordistribution to an installed functional insert or device, while thefemale connector module can be an output to redistribute the power. Thisallows multiple electrical boxes 10 to be connected in a daisy chainconfiguration, which uses less wiring cost than conventional methods inwhich each electrical box is wired separately, manually and oftenreceives a power feed wire from the ceiling. If it becomes necessary toremove an electrical box from the wall for maintenance, the male andfemale plug units only need to be connected together so that the otherelectrical boxes connected in the chain can still receive power. Thefixture receptacle base 100 of FIG. 39 illustrates one possibleconfiguration for the arrangement of the recesses 101. A single recessreceptacle connector can be formed as shown in FIG. 41, as canreceptacles with multiple recesses arranged in a circular configurationaround a single round ground prong such as male prong 123 or femaleprong 143. For example, by using equilateral shaped connector modules,it is possible to have a receptacle with six different correspondingtriangular recesses, with respectively different prong orientations,each for a different wiring application, such as power, high voltage,low voltage, telephone, data etc. The use of the modular connectors aspreviously described allows for quick and simple connection of power orother signals to the electrical box 10. The shaped connector modulesprevent incorrect connection of the plugs into their receptacles. Allcomponents of the modular system described above are commerciallyavailable from Electec Ltd., Ottawa, Ontario.

[0105] Connection to the prongs within connector modules 300 and 301 isachieved byway of self-gripping wire traps 160 formed on the base ofmale prongs 142 and 143, and female prongs 122 and 123 as shown in FIGS.42 and 43. Each self-gripping wire trap 160 is a stamped piece of metalpreferably made of an alloy consisting of phosphor and bronze (availablefrom Electec Ltd.), and consists of a bottom plate 161 and a top plate162, connected to an edge of bottom plate 161 by a curved spring segment163. The top and bottom plates are substantially parallel to each other.Side edges of bottom plate 161 have been bent up towards the top plate162 to form curved partial side-walls 164. An end portion of the topplate 162, opposite to the edge attached to the spring segment 163, hasbeen folded down towards the bottom plate 161 to form a gripping tab165. The size of the top plate 161, the bottom plate 162 and the springsegment 163 has been selected, for example, to be large enough toaccommodate commonly used American 8 to 16 gauge copper wires 5. Theposition of the spring segment 163 is centred about the edges of the topand bottom plates 161 and 162 to allow insertion of a wire to each sideof the spring segment. The side-walls 164 serve to keep inserted wireswithin the wire trap 160 and below the associated gripping tab 165. Topplate 161 is preferably angled downwards towards the bottom plate 162 toform a slight wedge with bottom plate 162 as shown in FIG. 44. This isto allow the wire trap 160 to be inserted into correspondingly sizedopenings 151 of connector base 150. FIG. 48 shows a cross-section of aportion of male connector module 300 before and after a wire 5 isinserted into wiring access holes 108 to engage wire trap 160. Whenwires 5 are inserted into the wire trap 160 as shown in FIG. 48, theywill engage and force open the gripping tab 165 to allow entry of thewires. The size of opening 151 of connector base 150 will limit thedeflection of top plate 161, allowing gripping tabs 165 to squeeze thewire with a force such that the tab edges will dig into the metal of thewires. Once inserted, the wires are secured from accidental removal fromthe prongs within the connector modules. Since wires can be of differentgauges, a single gripping tab 165 would not be effective in grippingboth a smaller gauge wire and a larger gauge wire. This problem issolved by introducing slit 166 cut in the centre of gripping tab 165 toessentially create two separately operating gripping tabs that canindividually engage wires of varying gauges. The wire trap 160 of thisembodiment will function best when the size of openings 151 in theconnector base 150 are formed to closely correspond to the size of thewire trap 160. If the openings 151 are too large, wire trap 160 may notgrip inserted wires with sufficient force to prevent them from beingaccidentally torn out when the spring segment 163 creates only a lowspring force.

[0106] An alternate embodiment of the wire trap 160 is shown in FIGS. 49to 52, where the side-walls 164′ of wire trap 160′ are formed topartially wrap around the top plate 161′. Wire trap 160′ with side walls164′ is not tolerant on the size of openings 151 in connector base 150.The side-walls 164′ limits the deflection of top plate 161. As shown inFIG. 55, openings 151′ are much larger than the wire trap 160, but sincethe side walls 164′ limits the deflection of top plate 161′, theinserted wire 5 will be gripped with sufficient force to prevent it frombeing accidentally torn out.

[0107] The components of the electrical box wiring system previouslydescribed are preferably used together to wire a building, or edifice,in a reduced amount of time while ensuring error free connections toadvance completion of the building or edifice construction. Componentsof the electrical wiring system of the present invention are used todistribute power and signals via wiring cables and distribution boxesthroughout the building 500 shown in the layout of FIG. 56. By using thewiring system of the present invention, many different keyed connectormodules can be employed to provide error free connection of a power,data or telephone signal source to corresponding destinations. Byvarying the orientation of the rectangular male and female prongs 142,143 and 122, 123 and the associated openings 128 in male connector body120 and recesses 151 in connector base 150, virtually infinite numbersof different keyed connector modules can be produced. It is therebypossible to vary the position of only one, two or all three rectangularprongs. If the position of a prong is changed, the orientation of theprong is rotated 45° or 90° from the default position as shown in FIGS.32, 33, 36 and 37. Although this limits the overall number ofconfigurations possible, a large number of permutations can still beachieved while each prong orientation is sufficiently different fromevery other so that reliable keying is achieved with substantially nopossibility of male and female connector modules of different prongorientations fitting together. Examples of different prong orientationsare shown in FIG. 57. Thus, a fool proof wiring system is provided,wherein not only keyed wires of different power, data or telephonesupplies can be produced having plug and receptacle ends that willrespectively not fit together with wires of other supply types, but alsokeyed wires for different tasks within each supply system. For example,wires connecting a power, data or telephone source with an outlet, witha switch and with a distribution box respectively or a switch with anoutlet, a switch with another switch, an outlet with another outlet,etc. are possible applications. This will be better understood withreference to the building wiring system 500 shown in FIG. 56. A firsttype of wire 510 having a first gage is used to connect the high voltagepower supply panel 512 with the fluorescent light fixtures 514. Firstset of keyed male and female connector modules are used on the wires 510interconnecting the panel 512, the distribution boxes 513 and thefixtures 514, and a second set is used to interconnect the fixtures 514and the associated wall switch 516. A second type of wires 520 withthird and fourth sets of keyed male and female connector modules areused to interconnect the emergency lighting power panel 522 with thelight fixture 524, distribution box 525 and exit signs 526. A third setof wires 530 with fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth sets of keyed maleand female connector modules are used to interconnect the general powersupply panel 532, the lighting fixtures 534, plugs 536, switches 538 anddistribution boxes 539. A fourth set of wires 540 with ninth, tenth andeleventh keyed male and female connector modules are used tointerconnect the data supply panel 542, the data outlets 544 and thedistribution boxes 546. Finally, a set of phone wires 550 with twelfth,thirteenth and fourteenth keyed male and female connector modules isused to interconnect the telephone board 552, the phone plugs 554 andthe distribution boxes 556. The sets of first to fourteenth connectormodules are identical in construction except for the orientation oftheir rectangular prongs. The orientation of the prongs in each set isselected such that the respective male and female connector modules ofthe same set can be connected with one another but not with any othermodule of any other set. In this way, a fool proof wiring system isachieved which ensures quick and proper wiring of any building.

[0108] Applications for the mounting frame and quick connectinguniversal electrical box include commercial buildings, home or cottagefor the distribution and connection of power or data such as telephoneor computer network signals.

1. Electrical box mounting system, comprising an electrical box forreceiving a functional insert; and a mounting frame for insertion into awall opening for an electrical box; the mounting frame having a bodybeing shaped and constructed for receiving the electrical box, andhaving locking means for locking the mounting frame in the wall opening,the locking means being movable from an inactive position wherein themounting frame is insertable into the wall opening to a locking positionwherein the locking means retain the mounting frame in the wall opening,whereby the locking means are forced into the locking position uponinsertion of the electrical box into the mounting frame.
 2. Electricalbox mounting system as defined in claim 1, wherein the functional insertis a power or data consumer or controller.
 3. Electrical box mountingsystem as defined in claim 1, wherein the locking means are rotatablebetween the inactive and locking positions.
 4. Electrical box mountingsystem as defined in claim 1, wherein the electrical box is aconventional electrical box for receiving one of an electrical outletand a switch.
 5. Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 1,wherein the locking means are rotatable between the inactive and lockingpositions for releasably locking the mounting frame in the wall opening.6. Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 1, wherein themounting frame has a wall surface engaging flange and a rim dependingtherefrom and extending in the direction of a wall thickness, thelocking means being attached to the depending rim.
 7. Electrical boxmounting system as defined in claim 6, wherein the locking means arerotatably attached to the depending rim.
 8. Electrical box mountingsystem as defined in claim 7, wherein the mounting frame is shaped andconstructed for installation into a wall panel including the wallopening, the depending rim extending perpendicularly from the flange andhaving a depth at least equal to the thickness of the wall panel. 9.Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 8, wherein thedepending rim has a front edge attached to the flange and an oppositerear edge, the locking means being attached to the rear edge of thedepending rim.
 10. Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 9,wherein the mounting frame is rectangular and the depending flangeincludes a pair of opposite wall sections, the locking means beingattached to the wall sections.
 11. Electrical box mounting system asdefined in claim 10, wherein the wall sections are top and bottom wallsections respectively positioned at the top and bottom ends of themounting frame when the frame is installed in the wall opening. 12.Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 11, wherein thelocking means are a pair of U-shaped claws rotatably affixed to the topand bottom wall sections, the claws having a pair of spaced apart legs,the spacing therebetween being equal to the thickness of the wall panel.13. Electrical box mounting system as defined in claim 6, wherein thelocking means are attached to the depending rim be an intermediateliving hinge.
 14. Electrical box mounting frame for retaining anelectrical box in a wall opening, comprising: a body being shaped andconstructed for receiving the electrical box, and locking means forlocking the mounting frame in the wall opening, the locking means beingmovable from an inactive position wherein the mounting frame isinsertable into the wall opening to a locking position wherein thelocking means retain the mounting frame in the wall opening, whereby thelocking means are forced into the locking position upon insertion of theelectrical box into the mounting frame.
 15. Electrical box mountingframe as defined in claim 14, wherein the locking means are rotatablebetween the inactive and locking positions.
 16. Electrical box mountingframe as defined in claim 15, wherein the electrical box is aconventional electrical box for receiving one of an electrical outletand a switch.
 17. Electrical box mounting frame as defined in claim 16,wherein the locking means are rotatable between the inactive and lockingpositions for releasably locking the mounting frame in the wall opening.18. Electrical box mounting frame as defined in claim 17, furthercomprising a wall surface engaging flange and a rim depending therefromand extending in the direction of a wall thickness, the locking meansbeing attached to the depending rim.
 19. Electrical box mounting frameas defined in claim 18, wherein the locking means are rotatably attachedto the depending rim.
 20. Electrical box mounting frame as defined inclaim 19, wherein the mounting frame is shaped and constructed forinstallation into a wall panel including the wall opening, the dependingrim extending perpendicularly from the flange and having a depth atleast equal to the thickness of the wall panel.
 21. Electrical boxmounting frame as defined in claim 20, wherein the depending rim has afront edge attached to the flange and an opposite rear edge, the lockingmeans being attached to the rear edge of the depending rim. 22.Electrical box mounting frame as defined in claim 21, wherein themounting frame is rectangular and the depending flange includes a pairof opposite wall sections, the locking means being attached to the wallsections.
 23. Electrical box mounting frame as defined in claim 22,wherein the wall sections are top and bottom wall sections respectivelypositioned at the top and bottom ends of the mounting frame when theframe is installed in the wall opening.
 24. Electrical box mountingframe as defined in claim 23, wherein the locking means are a pair ofU-shaped claws rotatably affixed to the top and bottom wall sections,the claws having a pair of spaced apart legs, the spacing therebetweenbeing equal to the thickness of the wall panel.
 25. Electrical boxmounting frame as defined in claim 19, wherein the locking means areattached to the depending rim by an intermediate living hinge.